Home-based programs, also known as family child care programs, offer services for infants and toddlers and 3-K in a home setting by a licensed, qualified, child care provider.
In this setting, children are served in mixed-age groups with other children from infancy through age three. These programs are consistent with infant, toddler, and 3-K programs offered in center-based and district school settings, and are overseen by NYC Public Schools and a Family Child Care Network organization that provides instructional resources, coaching, and family support.
Information for Family Child Care Providers
If you are a licensed or registered family child care provider interested in serving children through NYCPS, please contact one of our FCC Networks directly. See a current list of FCC Networks and their contact information. The Network will guide you through the affiliation process and support you in beginning to serve children eligible for NYCPS seats.
Why Enroll in Family Child Care?
Families may choose to enroll their children in home-based early childhood programs because of their many unique strengths:
- Children can form strong relationships with caregivers by continuing in the same program from six weeks to three years old.
- Children can interact with other children, including siblings, in a mixed-age setting.
- Children can begin their early education in a familiar setting before transitioning to center- or school-based pre-k, if that is the family's preference.
- Families can have access to programs that offer longer days and years to meet the needs of work or school schedules.
- Families can find programs that are conveniently located close to home, work, or school.
- Families may find that home-based programs best reflect the language and culture of their community.
Like center- and school-based programs, home-based programs help children learn, grow, and explore the world around them. Home-based programs use NYCPS-approved curriculum, and the providers receive professional learning and coaching to support quality play-based instruction.
Services in Languages Other Than English
Many family child care programs and NYCPS FCC Networks offer services in languages other than English. To learn more about the languages offered at a specific program, please contact the contracted NYCPS FCC Network with which the program is affiliated. See a list of contracted FCC Networks.
Types of 3-K Options
There are two different types of 3-K options in most family child care programs. Families who qualify for a child care subsidy are eligible for an extended day (8 or 10 hours per day) and full year services. Families who are only interested and eligible for the 3-K school day and year services attend the program for 6 hours and 20 minutes each day during the regular school year. View the flyer below to learn more about the 3-K school day and year option in family child care.
Subsidized Child Care
Families with infants and toddlers may also apply for subsidized child care in a family child care home. A contracted NYCPS FCC Network can support you in determining eligibility and completing your child care application. See a list of contracted FCC Networks. Each Network services specific boroughs in NYC, so please contact the Network located in the borough where you would like to receive child care services.
Information for Family Child Care Providers Interested in 2-K
NYC Public Schools is expanding 2-K programs beginning in fall 2026. Family Child Care providers interested in participating can review the resources below for guidance on participation pathways, affiliation with Family Child Care Networks, and next steps.
Enroll in a Home-based Program
To enroll your child in a home-based program, visit our 3-K enrollment for three-year-olds or Infant and Toddler enrollment for infants and toddlers. These pages also contain information about subsidized child care so you can understand whether you might be eligible.